The WLP005 should be fine. I heard once that the actual house strain they use is Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale yeast.

My American Brown recipe started as a Moose Drool clone, and is similar to that, but I only use Crystal 80 instead of 60/20. Also, I use the debittered carafa special instead of the black patent to cut down on the roasty flavor but maintain the dark color, and I like to toast the oats before adding them to the mash.

Hop schedule is about the same as yours, and I use the 1968 ESB yeast. The recipe you have should serve as a great beer, and at worst a good starting point for a clone of that one.

I'm always game for a side by side comparison.

I was thinking about adding some hazlenut extract to the keg when I brew another brown, might have to do that sooner than later.

Moose Drool ain't bad, but it's way overpriced for what it is. Big sky used to make a stout that wasn't too bad, they called it "Slow Elk" but I haven't seen it in the stores for a couple of years, it was a bit overpriced too. Regard, GF.

Moose Drool ain't bad, but it's way overpriced for what it is. Big sky used to make a stout that wasn't too bad, they called it "Slow Elk" but I haven't seen it in the stores for a couple of years, it was a bit overpriced too. Regard, GF.

For real? Overpriced? It's the same price on tap as anything else, at least last summer; bottle, too, as I recall. Plus, you get it for like $3.00 a pint at Missoula Ospreys games. Now that's hard to beat.

For real? Overpriced? It's the same price on tap as anything else, at least last summer; bottle, too, as I recall. Plus, you get it for like $3.00 a pint at Missoula Ospreys games. Now that's hard to beat.

Its -11 F here in Wisconsin and you're reminding me of wiling away my college summer days with a pint of Moosedrool at an Osprey game. That's just not fair.

I really like their brown (Moose Drool), ale (Trout Slayer), but I DON'T like their IPA (Big Sky - Pronghorn or something). and this is coming from an IPA guy! Any other's wanna weigh in on the Big Sky IPA? Just doesn't do it for me -- but Moose Drool and Trout Slayer are grrrrrrrreeeeaaaaaatttt!

I really dig the Big Sky IPA. Very pleasant hop aroma with a solid citrusy bitterness. Nice malt character and good head retention/lacing also. This is good stuff, IMO.